New Well Drilling in Pembroke & Renfrew County

Whether you're building a new home, buying rural property, or your existing well has failed beyond repair, drilling a new well is a major investment — and getting it right the first time matters. Our network of licensed well contractors has drilled hundreds of wells across Renfrew County, from Pembroke to Deep River to Barry's Bay.

What's Involved in Drilling a New Well?

A new well installation in Ontario involves several stages, each governed by provincial regulations to ensure your water supply is safe and reliable.

1. Site Assessment & Permit Application

Before any drilling begins, Ontario Regulation 903 requires a licensed well contractor to obtain a well permit from the local Conservation Authority or the Ministry of the Environment. This involves assessing your property's lot size, setback distances from septic systems, buildings, and property lines, and identifying a suitable drill location.

2. Drilling

A rotary or percussive drill rig is mobilized to your property. In Renfrew County, most residential wells are drilled through overburden soil and into the Canadian Shield bedrock, where water is found in fractures and fissures in the granite. Typical depths range from 80–300 feet, though some properties in the Renfrew County back country require 400+ feet to find adequate yield.

3. Well Casing & Grouting

Steel or thermoplastic casing is installed to line the borehole from surface to bedrock. The annular space between the casing and borehole is grouted to prevent surface water from entering your well — a critical step for water quality and long-term safety.

4. Well Development

After drilling, the well is developed — surged and pumped to clear drill cuttings and fine particles, and to measure actual water yield. Your contractor will test yield and provide a well record.

5. Pump & Pressure System Installation

A submersible pump is installed at the appropriate depth, connected to your home's plumbing via a pitless adapter through the casing. A pressure tank and control equipment are installed in your home or pressure house. This is the component that delivers water to your taps at the right pressure.

6. Water Testing

A new well should always be tested for bacteria, coliform, nitrates, and other parameters before use. Your contractor will advise on testing — some lenders and municipalities require it as a condition of property transfer.

Typical Well Depths in Renfrew County

Renfrew County sits on the Canadian Shield — some of the oldest, hardest rock on the planet. This means:

• Overburden (soil and loose material) is often shallow, 5–30 feet
• Water is primarily found in bedrock fractures, not gravel aquifers
• Typical residential well depths: 80–250 feet
• Some rural and back-country properties: 250–500+ feet
• Yield varies significantly — some areas have abundant water at 80', others require considerable depth

An experienced local contractor will know the typical water depths in your specific area — this local knowledge is invaluable when planning your well.

Ontario Well Permits — What You Need to Know

Under Ontario Regulation 903 (Wells), all new wells must:

• Be drilled by a licensed well contractor registered with the province
• Have a permit obtained before drilling begins
• Meet minimum setback requirements: 15m from septic tanks, 30m from leaching beds, 15m from lot lines (in most cases)
• Be recorded in the provincial well record database (PTTW/WWIS)
• Be cased and grouted to prevent surface contamination

Your contractor handles all permit applications and ensures your well meets Ontario standards. Attempting to drill without proper permits can result in significant fines and an unregistered well that causes problems during property sale.

How Much Does Well Drilling Cost in Ontario?

Factors That Affect Well Drilling Cost

• Depth required — more footage = higher cost. Deeper = more casing, more drilling time
• Rock hardness — hard Shield granite takes longer to drill than softer formations
• Accessibility — remote properties or tight lot access require smaller equipment or extra mobilization
• Pump selection — 1/2 HP to 1.5 HP pumps for most homes; deeper wells need more powerful pumps
• Distance to home — more trench length for the water line adds cost
• Pressure tank and controls — standard vs. constant-pressure systems

The only accurate way to know your specific cost is an on-site assessment. Variables like property geology, depth to bedrock, and accessibility make ballpark quotes unreliable without a site visit.

Project Timeline: Start to Running Water

• Site assessment & estimate: 1–3 days after request
• Permit approval: 3–10 business days (varies by Conservation Authority)
• Drilling: 1–3 days on site
• Pump & pressure system installation: 1–2 days
• Water testing: 24–48 hours for lab results
• Total typical timeline: 2–4 weeks from estimate to running water

Frequently Asked Questions — New Well Drilling

Will I find water on my property?

In virtually all of Renfrew County, water exists at some depth in the bedrock. There are very rare exceptions in certain high-elevation Shield terrain. An experienced local contractor can assess your property and tell you what to expect based on local well records.

Can I drill a well near my septic system?

Yes, but minimum setback distances apply under Ontario Regulation 903. The standard is 15m from a septic tank and 30m from a leaching bed. Your contractor will assess this during the permit process.

How do I know if I need a new well vs. well rehabilitation?

If your existing well has structural issues (casing failure, surface water intrusion), a history of bacterial contamination, or has gone dry, a new well may be the better long-term investment. Your contractor will advise after assessing your current well.

Is well water safe to drink?

Most Renfrew County well water is safe and excellent quality, but it varies by location and geology. Always test a new well before drinking, and test annually for bacteria. See our water treatment page for common issues and solutions.